Mentors

The music mentors (teachers) that have partnered with the School of Worship are men and women who are professional musicians/producers/worship leaders/artists, that are excellent at their craft, and who are passionate about investing their time and talent into the next generation.

Piano & Voice

Derek Arms, Piano

Derek Arms is a Tennessee native musician, vocalist and director with 14 years of experience, including four years as a worship leader in Orlando, Florida. His background is in gospel and CCM music, having recorded an album and toured nationally. He has performed for Disney and sang background vocals for numerous recording artists.  Derek has also taught for music conferences and been involved in set design and event marketing.  Derek is passionate about imparting a spirit of worship to the next generation!

Wesley Blaylock, Piano/Guitar

From Arkansas, Wesley and his wife Laura arrived to Nashville last year to pursue their music career. Wesley has studied piano from the age of 8 and was a vocal major in college, where he also concentrated in piano. Wesley is currently the lead singer for the rock band Deas Vail who have released two full-length albums internationally and a nationally released EP, with another album on its way this spring! “I am excited about music and new people enjoying it!  I am pumped about young people the opportunity I have to share with them what Jesus has taught me through it.  I am also excited about learning from my experiences at SoW…Overall, I believe that Jesus is a part of the things we do and learn…and that really gets me excited.  I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of their story.”

Parke Cottrell, Piano, Guitar and Bass

Starting at the age of 5 in his hometown of Knoxville, TN, Parke started his musical journey by being taught piano by his mother until high school when he became interested in writing his own songs. During middle school, he wrote over 60 instrumental songs for his friends. Once high school hit, he began playing mandolin and guitar (both acoustic and electric) and writing songs more frequently. Sophomore year began his musicality in the worship world – playing for youth gatherings, sunday schools and starting his junior year started playing electric guitar for the main service where he stayed for 6 years. Over the years he’s had vast experience being hired to co/lead and lead youth camps across the US. He was the frontman and rhythm guitarist for the rock band Seeing Skies for 3 years and has toured as the pianist for Elenowen since they began. He currently is a solo artist pursuing his career in music.

Christine Fryoux, Piano

Christine began playing the piano at the early age of six.  She went on to study at Louisiana Tech University and Southeastern Louisiana University, and became an accomplished classical pianist.  Over the years Christine has lent her musical giftings to everything from accompanying her high school choir, to playing and singing on various worship teams across the country, to playing the piano in the worship band Jacob’s Ladder.  She has been teaching for almost 20 years, beginning at Baton Rouge Christian Classical and most recently at New Hope Academy right here in Franklin.  She has a heart for children, a heart for worship, and a passion to see each student reach their full potential.

Jaquie Garcia, Voice

Jaquie was raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado where she first fell in love with singing because of the passion for music she saw in her high school choir director. After graduating in 2005, she went on to study music at Azusa Pacific University outside of Los Angeles, CA for one year, and then finished her degree at Colorado State University with her bachelors in music with an emphasis in vocal music education. She was privileged to participate in many choral opportunities including a tour in South Korea with CSU Chamber Choir as well as performing with CSU Vocal Jazz at the acclaimed UNC Greely Jazz Festival. Jaquie has led worship for various churches in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins. She is a classically trained vocalist, however, her favorite style to sing is vocal jazz and gospel. “I am looking forward to having the opportunity to instill people of all ages with the same love and passion for music that my mentors have instilled in me. I am excited to see people grow in their love of music and to challenge my students to worship with both musical excellence and spiritual depth.”

Jaime Jamgochian, Piano/Voice

Jaime Jamgochian is a songwriter and recording artist whose music and effervescent personality have touched thousands of young women. She’s toured relentlessly and appeared on Point of Grace’s Girls of Grace conferences in addition to launching her own “Modest is Hottest” conferences. Having come to Christ during her college years, Jaime believes her life experience before becoming a believer has made her better equipped to minister to young girls. The Reading, Mass., native graduated from the famed Berklee College of Music with a bachelor’s degree in Professional Music. Jamie grew up with severe learning disabilities, so her passion to teach others comes from a place of deep understanding.

Jennifer McDow, Piano

Shaun Shankel, Piano

Shaun Shankel is a Grammy-nominated, Dove Award-winning songwriter/record producer who has written and produced for some of the biggest selling artists in the Christian and Pop markets, selling over 7 million albums and singles. He has had 12 #1 hits and song placements in over 20 film, television and commercial campaigns. After graduating from Indiana University with degrees in Audio Technology in Music and Telecommunications, Shaun moved to Nashville, where he became one of the most sought after producer/writers, having worked with Hilary Duff, Clay Aiken, Nicholas Jonas, Natalie Grant, Mandisa, Rebecca St. James, Jump 5, Tyler Hilton, Mark Schultz, Plumb, Avalon, ZOEGirl, among others. In 2011, Shaun co-founded The Syndicate Entertainment company which now professionally manages Disney stars Tiffany Thornton (star of So Random) and Luke Benward, modern rock band Civil Twilight on Wind-Up Records, and pop super group The Bettys.

Stephanie Smith, Voice

Stephanie Smith graduated from Greenville College in Illinois in 2006 with a Bachlor of Arts in Communication and a minor in Music. It was at Greenville College that she first met Gotee Records founder TobyMac, while performing at the annual AgapeFest. Toby then signed her to the record label in May of 2006. Her first studio album, Not Afraid, was released on May 27, 2008 digitally and in stores on December 23, 2008. In December of 2009 she released a self-titled EP and received national attention on the Winter Jam and Winter Wonder Slam tour with TobyMac.

Alison Stevens, Piano

Northern California native, Alison Stevens has played piano from age 7, studied under concert pianist John Coury, trained vocally at California Baptist College in Riverside, CA and traveled with the New America Singers. For the past 15 years, she has led worship at churches, retreats, and conventions including the TN Baptist WMU Convention and Spirit West Coast with Bob Kilpatrick. Over the years, Alison has worked with several talented artists including Helen Baylor, Dayna Varga, Drew Cline, and Travis Meadows. Alison’s beautiful vocals can be heard on the albums of Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin and Josh Fox. “I absolutely love seeing a love for music grow in my students; seeing ‘the light go on’ is the moment that makes it all worthwhile. Even more, seeing a passion for worship awakened and released in a person is simply amazing.”

Mike Wessner, Piano

Mike has been playing piano consistently since he was 10 years old, and acoustic guitar since he was 16.  He grew up in eastern Pennsylvania, then hopped first to New York, followed by Florida, where he earned a degree in music recording from Full Sail University in Orlando.  After enduring one too many hurricanes in the Sunshine State, he finally landed in Middle Tennessee in April of 2005. He’s played in many worship bands over the years, and currently serves as band leader at Grace Center here in Franklin. He also produces song demos and crafts string arrangements for tracks, having a deep passion for song writing. Mike is very much excited to be a part of School of Worship, especially to have the chance to teach and encourage those who are just setting out on the musical journey he began many years ago.

Adam Wheatley, Piano

Adam Wheatley graduated from Lambuth University in West Tennessee in 2002 with a degree in music education. Since college Adam has served as the worship leader for churches in the Memphis and Nashville, TN areas, while also establishing his own music ministry by performing concerts and leading worship for youth ministries, college ministries, and churches throughout the country. In addition to being a mentor at the School of Worship, Adam is currently serving as a worship leader at Brentwood Baptist church.

Amanda Young, Piano

Amanda Young is a singer/songwriter from Brandon, MB, Canada. She has released two albums exclusively in Canada: her self titled debut album, Amanda Stott, (Warner Music, Canada) and her sophomore project, Chasing The Sky, (EMI Music Canada). Amanda just finished recording her third album, a Christian Inspirational project, Place To Start Again, with a fall 2011 international release. Amanda has toured extensively since the age of 13, both playing piano and singing. She spent a year and a half as a singer with Cirque Du Soleil before relocating to Nashville to further develop her songwriting in 2007. Amanda started piano lessons at the age of 5 and graduated from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Amanda has also spent time learning from many different voice teachers, in Montreal, Quebec and New York, NY to learn and develop the correct techniques as a singer and training the voice to sustain the challenges of life on the road. Amanda is extremely passionate about seeing the next generation fervently and relentlessly pursue Christ through the gift of music.

Guitar

A.J. Babcock, Acoustic/Bass

A native of Columbus, Ohio, AJ journeyed to Nashville with his wife to pursue his passion as a songwriter. From the age of 9, AJ grew up playing the upright bass in youth orchestras where he learned to read and write music, gaining a strong knowledge of music theory. He picked up the electric guitar at age 11 and shortly after started acoustic lessons. Founding member of the band House of Heroes, AJ has toured with hit artists such as TobyMac, Reliant K, and Skillet. After landing several No. 1s on the Christian rock charts and a Dove nomination, AJ decided to take a break from 5 years of tour life to focus on his creativity. AJ believes that music should be fun and that the most important aspect of learning an instrument is to discover what it is you love most about it. “I look forward to inspiring young people to become inspired by music…I believe music is a gift from God that helps us see just one more piece of Him.”

Zeb Barron, Acoustic Guitar

From churches and camps to stadiums and parks, Zeb Barron has performed in front of audiences from the early age of 10. A Kansas native, he has lived and played in Nashville for several years leading and teaching worship. Zeb has continued his career as a worship artist inspiring God’s people across the globe and teaming up with other well-known artists like the Know Hope Collective to advance the Kingdom. “Worship is a beautiful expression of adoration to our heavenly Father, a cry of love to our Lord Jesus, an embrace of the Spirit, and a rally call to the body for holiness. My desire is to teach this next generation that worshiping in ‘spirit and truth,’ combined with musical excellence, can uplift the souls of men and tie together the hearts of the saints.” Zeb is honored to be a part of the SOW family.

Toby Friesen, Acoustic/Electric/Piano

By the age of six, Toby knew that he wanted to play the guitar and an obsession was born. Inspired by his musical parents, he played the Ukulele in the family band until he grew large enough to handle a full-sized guitar. Growing up on the mission field of Japan, Toby helped his father lead worship at church. Attending John Brown University, he studied Sports Management and Music, and helped start a band called Jackson Waters. In 2005, they signed a recording contract with Word Records, releasing a national EP and an international full-length album. After Jackson Waters disbanded in 2009, Toby toured for 2 years with the group NEEDTOBREATHE, playing keys and guitar. Toby continues to play and tour with a number of Christian and mainstream artists. His resume includes: Andrew Ripp, Jonny Diaz, The Alternate Routes, The Atlas, and Sarah Sadler. Toby enjoys spending time with youth and  finds the mentorship aspect of teaching lessons very rewarding! For him, music has been a life-long passion and a gift from the Lord, and he is excited to help impart that same passion to our youth.

Pete Good, Acoustic/Electric

Raised in South Dakota, Pete began playing the guitar at the age of 10. In high school he began writing songs, and in college was driven to perform his music anywhere he could. During his 5 years playing professionally in SD, he opened for bands such as Sugarland, Shawn McDonald and SOW parent Phil Joel. Pete also led worship for a prominent college ministry that he helped establish, pouring into young people and impacting the community. Upon moving to Nashville, he continued to work as an acoustic singer/songwriter while collaborating with other artists. He feels blessed for the opportunity to witness his students growing both musically and in their walk with Christ.

Brandon Harrington, Acoustic/Electric

Fresh off the mission field of Southeast Asia, Brandon and his wife came to Nashville in faith to discover a new season of ministry. Brandon’s musical career began at 8 yrs old learning the violin. It wasn’t until age 17 that he crossed over to his acoustic and started touring. After graduating from University of Central Arkansas with a B.A. in Classical Guitar Performance, he furthered his education at University of Memphis through master classes and studies with renowned guitarists such as the Assad Brothers and Dr. Lily Afshar. Brandon has performed with artists Manuel Barrueco, Eliot Fisk, Kris Allen, and worked with producers such as Joel Cameron (Mercy Me) and Josh Swart (Lionel Richie, Charlie Hall). Influential in music ministry, Brandon produced a thriving worship band while in the Philippines. “I have a deep passion to understand what and how God communicates with us. A very important line of communication is worship.” Brandon is excited to share his passion and experience with his students.

Nikki Parsons, Acoustic

Nikki has recently relocated from her home in Australia, where she has had a successful solo career touring full time over the past 8 years. Before coming to the States for the first time to record her latest album under producer Aaron Marsh of the band “Copeland,” Nikki was a worship leader at a church in Sydney, Australia. Pending the release of her new album, Nikki has now made her home in America, and is looking forward to continuing her career here in the States.

Strings

Mandy DeSutter, Violin/Viola

Born and raised in Normal, IL, Mandy DeSutter is anything but average. Armed with her music degree from Illinois State University, Mandy arrived in Nashville to pursue a music career and take on the industry. It wasn’t long before she discovered that God had a very unique plan for her music, and she began perfecting her improv skills playing for Campus Crusade worship teams. Mandy takes every opportunity she can to use her instrument for the glory of God and plays the circuit from conferences and retreats to awards shows and recordings, as well as with many worship leaders and singer/songwriters locally. “I believe that we are continuously called to deepen our heart of worship…I love journeying with people that have a hunger with God and want to see Him move in their world.”

Drums

Jesse Parsons

Jesse has been playing the drums for 16 years and has performed around the globe with several artists in the CCM and secular markets including Sleeping at Last, Mason Proper, Warren Barfield, Attaboy, Sevenglory, Urbanites, and many others.  Having grown up in the church, his career began while playing on the worship team.  His passion for worship and drive for excellence has continued throughout his life, and is visible in his drumming.  Jesse is excited to teach alongside the many talented individuals that are already a part of the School of Worship team.

Antonio Porcheddu

A native of Dallas, TX, Anthony has been a musician in the Nashville area for over 10 years and has music degrees from Berklee College of Music and Belmont University where he studied Drums and Piano. His abilities as a multi-instrumentalist have given him the opportunity to perform with artists such as Phil Joel (newsboys), Jeremy Camp, Nate Sallie, Tammy Trent, Chris Young and many others. In addition to a solid touring schedule Anthony keeps busy in the studio where he has performed on and produced many recordings ranging from indie and label projects to children’s music to prime time TV. Anthony is excited to be a part of the School of Worship team where he can blend his love for worship and teaching in one place to help build a solid foundation in the hearts of this generation’s worshiping musicians.

Dustin Rohrer

Brought up in the jazz scenes of North Carolina and New York City, Dustin blends the creativity of jazz with a solid groove. After receiving his Masters in Jazz Drumset Performance from Manhattan School of Music, Dustin embarked on a career of touring and session work. He’s currently on the road with Dove-award winner Matthew West as well as gospel artists Keith and Kristyn Getty.

Michael Pratt

Upon first picking up the drums at age 12, Michael Pratt has since developed an affinity for rhythm and natural talent for playing percussion. He has obtained his Bachelors and Masters degrees in percussion performance, and has been playing and teaching professionally for several years. Teachers he has had the pleasure of studying with include Dr. John Pennington, Dr. Chris Norton, and Nashville Symphony Percussionist Rich Graber. He has played, recorded, and toured with such acts as Lacey Black and Red Rhapsody, Cirvant and SOHA, Augusta Vain, Madison Hardy, to name a few. Drumset teachers include famed drummers Zoro, Chester Thompson, and Jim Riley. He has recently had the pleasure to develop and the library of drum-set teaching curriculum and resources for the WO Smith Music School in Nashville, TN. Michael sees his creative gift as a tool to behold the love of God and with the drums reverberate the sound of the Father’s heartbeat. He has a genuine desire to inspire his students to burn with love for God and discover who they are in His Glory.

Kolby Miller

Growing up just outside of Nashville, Tennessee, drummer and percussionist Kolby Miller knew that music would be ingrained into his everyday life.  It was at the age of 13 that he began training under multi-culturally influenced instructor, Kyle Jones.  Through these years of instruction, Kolby acquired skill in many different areas of percussion, including a diverse set of hand drums.  Not only does he desire to continue growing and learning the variety of percussion today, the foundation for Kolby is in his walk with Christ.   He has found his niche and passion in worship music as he has played in church worship bands for 8 years.  Most recently, Kolby has performed with touring worship artists Andrew & Hannah, Jonathan Lee, and Dilip Kurian.  Presently, he finds himself with a deep desire to positively influence students to find passion for Christ’s gift of music in worship.

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